What is a dog park?

Last updated: July 2026

A place where your dog can run free

A dog park (in Danish hundeskov, literally a “dog forest”) is an enclosed natural area where your dog may run free off the lead. It is the big exception to the general rule in the Danish countryside, where dogs otherwise must always be on a lead. The condition is that you have your dog fully under control: it must stay close to you, come straight away when you call and must not disturb other dogs, people or wildlife. Read more about the rules for dog parks here.

Dog parks are free to use and are generally open around the clock, all year round. You will find them all over the country – in towns, by the coast and in the forests – so most dog owners can find a dog park near them.

How many dog parks are there in Denmark?

There are more than 500 dog parks, off-leash areas and dog runs in Denmark. The Danish Nature Agency (Naturstyrelsen) runs more than 250 of them on state-owned land, and the rest are run by municipalities, associations and private forest owners. And more are being added all the time: with 850,000–900,000 dogs in Denmark, demand is high, and many municipalities keep setting up new dog parks and extending existing ones.

Fenced or not?

Many people imagine that a dog park is always fenced – but in fact only a small share of the Danish Nature Agency's dog parks have a fence. Municipal dog parks are more often fenced. So if your dog does not yet have a reliable recall, you should choose a fenced dog park. Here on Hundeskoven.dk you can see for every single dog park whether the area is fenced.

Facilities in dog parks

Facilities vary from one dog park to the next. Depending on which dog park you visit, you may for example find the following for dog and owner:

• Water for dogs
• Toilet
• Bins
• Parking
• Puppy area
• Small dog enclosure
• Fenced
• Dog beach
• Poo bag dispensers
• Tables/benches
• Fire pit
• Swimming spot
• Agility course

Some dog parks also have agility courses with seesaws, weave poles and jumps, where you can train and play with your dog – and some dog parks have puppy areas: smaller enclosures reserved for puppies and small dogs, where they can play in peace away from the big dogs.

Why the dog park is good for your dog

• Free play and exercise: Your dog can run free, burn off energy and explore nature with all its senses.
• Socialisation: Your dog meets and plays with other dogs in a safe setting – this builds confidence and helps prevent behaviour problems.
• Time in nature for you: You get a walk in the forest yourself, and the trip is an ideal chance to practise recall and obedience.
• Free and always open: Dog parks cost nothing to use and are open around the clock.

Your first visit to a dog park – 5 tips

1. Choose a fenced dog park if your dog's recall is not completely reliable yet.
2. Wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated – typically after about 16 weeks. Ask your vet.
3. Bring treats and reward your dog every time it comes when called, so coming back to you is always fun. Do not give treats to other people's dogs without the owner's permission.
4. Bring water and your own water bowl – not every dog park has water points, and shared bowls can spread infection.
5. Start outside peak times if your dog is unsure around lots of unfamiliar dogs – early morning and mid-morning are usually the quietest.

If you are unsure what is and is not allowed, read our guide to dog park rules – where you will also find the rules for dogs on the beach, in private forests and the Danish Dog Act in general.